Music - Graduate Programs
Music Education
The Master of Music in Music Education curriculum is designed to impart the knowledge needed to facilitate successful careers and encourage personal development. Through further education, music teachers will become more articulate, reflective practitioners so that they are able to select, adapt, adjust, and assess teaching and learning expectations.
More specifically, the aims of the degree are to:
- improve teaching skills through advanced coursework and research;
- offer graduate courses to improve general musicianship, including performance, theory, and music history;
- prepare students to enter graduate programs leading to the doctoral degree;
- offer highly specialized courses for students interested in researching historical, education or artistic areas;
- provide advanced courses for qualified members of the community.
Fellowships
Fellowships, when available, will be awarded on a competitive basis. The Graduate Advisor should be notified of your interest in these fellowships at the time of your application. Nominees for the Graduate School Master’s Fellowship in Music will be selected based on the following criteria:
- Candidates must be new students entering in the fall semester, with a minimum of 9 hours of enrollment in both long semesters to retain their fellowships.
- The minimum undergraduate GPA requirement is 3.00, as calculated by the Graduate School, plus a GPA of 3.0 for any graduate credit hours.
- Transcript of a completed bachelor’s degree in music from an accredited institution (or its demonstrated equivalent).
- Three letters of recommendation
The Department has a limited number of Enhanced Graduate Teaching Assistantships available. In addition to the requirements above, applicants for the EGTA positions must adhere to the following:
- A live audition is strongly encouraged whenever possible. (Performance Majors only)
- An interview, either in person or by phone, must be conducted by the Graduate Committee or a subset thereof.
- The Chair of the Department must be present at the audition and/or the interview.
Admission Requirements
The Department of Music has the following requirements for entry into the Master of Music in Music Education Degree.
Unconditional Admission
Requirements for unconditional admission into the program are:
- Three letters of recommendation speaking to the student’s potential for success from references familiar with the student’s academic background.
- A minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate work as calculated by the Graduate School.
- Bachelor’s degree in music or its demonstrated equivalent.
Probationary Status
A student meeting two out of three criteria and showing promise for successful graduate study may still be admitted on probationary status upon the recommendation of the Graduate Studies Committee. Within probationary status, said student will be admitted unconditionally into the degree program upon completion of 12 hours of graduate study with no grade lower than a B.
Provisional Admission
An applicant unable to supply all required documentation prior to the admission deadline but who other wise appears to meet admission requirements may be granted provisional admission.
Deferred Admission
A deferred decision may be granted when a file is incomplete or when a denied decision is not appropriate.
Admission will be denied for students not meeting at least two of the three criteria. Applicants may reapply for admission if the deficiencies in credentials that led to denial are remedied.
TOEFL Requirement
Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English by earning a score of at least 550 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a score of at least 213 on the computer-based test, or a minimum score of 40 on the Test of Spoken English (TSE). The Internet-based TOEFL examination (TOEFL iBT) will be accepted as an alternative to the paper and computer-based TOEFL for admission purposes. Students taking TOEFL iBT must attain a minimum total test score of 79 and meet or exceed the following scores on each of the sections of the test:
- Writing: 22
- Speaking: 21
- Reading: 20
- Listening: 16
Those who do not meet the English proficiency requirement must satisfactorily complete courses in the ESOL area, as approved by the program and the Graduate School.
Music Performance
Admission Requirements
Unconditional Admission
- Bachelor’s degree in music or its demonstrated equivalent (such as music conservatory degree, a bachelor’s degree in some other discipline with substantial undergraduate hours in music, etc.). A person with a bachelor degree in a major other than music must have the equivalent of 18 hours of upper level music courses and may be asked to complete a Music Theory Barrier exam. Three letters of recommendation are required, speaking to the student’s potential for success from references familiar with the student’s academic background.
- A minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate work as calculated by the Graduate School.
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Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English by earning a score of at least 550 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or a score of at least 213 on the computer-based test, or a minimum score of 40 on the Test of Spoken English (TSE). The Internet-based TOEFL examination (TOEFL iBT) will be accepted as an alternative to the paper and computer-based TOEFL for admission purposes. Students taking TOEFL iBT must attain a minimum total test score of 79 and meet or exceed the following scores on each of the sections of the text:
< >Writing: 22Speaking: 21Reading: 20Listening: 16Those who do not meet the English proficiency requirement must satisfactorily complete courses in the ESOL area, as approved by the program and the Graduate School. - Applicants must audition (in person or by submitting a tape) with repertoire of at least college senior recital level. A repertoire list must be submitted for evaluation at the time of the audition. For further information contact the Graduate Advisor.
All admission criteria will be considered equally. Students meeting all four criteria will be granted unconditional admission.
Probationary Status
A student not meeting the above criteria but who shows promise for successful graduate study may be admitted probationally. This period of probation is not to exceed one semester and the conditions of probation must be resolved during the first semester. The conditions will be in the offer letter of admission. (The Music department does not have the authority to lower University TOEFL score requirements for any student.)
Provisional Admission
An applicant unable to supply all required documentation prior to the admission deadline but who otherwise appears to meet admission requirements may be granted provisional admission.
Deferred Admission
A deferred decision may be granted when a file is incomplete or when a denied decision is not appropriate.
Degree Requirements - Master of Music in Music Education
The program is designed for the student who has a Bachelor’s degree in music. A person with a bachelor degree in a major other than music must have the equivalent of 18 hours of upper level music courses and may be asked to complete a Music Theory Barrier exam. The Graduate Advisor for program studies will counsel the student in correcting deficiencies and selecting courses for the student’s degree program. A minimum of 30 semester hours is required if the student chooses to write a thesis. If the student chooses not to write a thesis, a minimum of 36 semester hours is required. Advisory examinations in music history and written theory will be administered to all students prior to enrollment or during their first semester as a degree-seeking student.
Coursework for the program includes:
| Core Courses | ||
| MUSI 5301 | FORM AND STYLE ANALYSIS | 3 |
| MUSI 5308 | MUSIC HISTORY SELECTED TOPICS | 3 |
| MUSI 5351 | PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF MUSIC EDUCATION | 3 |
| MUSI 5352 | PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF MUSIC EDUCATION | 3 |
| MUSI 5363 | RESEARCH IN MUSIC EDUCATION | 3 |
| Options | ||
| Select one of the following options: | 9-18 | |
Students following the thesis option will take three hours of music education electives and an additional six hours of free choice electives. | ||
Students following the non-thesis option will take six hours of music education electives and an additional 12 hours of free choice electives. | ||
| Total Hours | 24-33 | |
Music education electives may be chosen from the following:
| MUSI 5350 | SELECTED TOPICS IN MUSIC PEDAGOGY | 3 |
| MUSI 5354 | SELECTED TOPICS IN MUSIC LITERATURE | 3 |
| MUSI 5355 | REHEARSAL TECHNIQUES | 3 |
| MUSI 5359 | ADVANCED DICTION FOR SINGERS | 3 |
| MUSI 5360 | ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FOR MUSICIANS | 3 |
| MUSI 5361 | ELEMENTARY MUSIC | 3 |
| MUSI 5364 | HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONS AND CURRICULAR TRENDS IN MUSIC EDUCATION | 3 |
Free choice electives may be selected from ensembles, private instruction, music history, music theory, jazz studies and repeated special topics courses. Up to six hours of graduate credit from other disciplines may be considered if relevant to the degree, subject to approval by the Graduate Studies Committee. Students following the non-thesis option will enroll in at least one semester of MUSI 5353 PROJECT IN MUSIC EDUCATION. Students who choose to write a thesis (MUSI 5398 THESIS, MUSI 5698 THESIS) will work closely with one or more members of the graduate faculty from the Department of Music on a research project in a specialized area of interest within the music education field.
Master of Music in Music Performance
Majors are offered in Instrumental Studies, Voice Studies, Jazz Studies, and Conducting. The program is designed for the student who has a Bachelor’s degree in music. A person with a bachelor degree in a major other than music must have the equivalent of 18 hours of upper level music courses and must score a 75% or better on the Music Theory Barrier exam. The Graduate Advisor for program studies will counsel the student in correcting deficiencies and selecting courses for the student’s degree program. Advisory examinations in music history and written theory can be administered to all students prior to enrollment or during their first semester as a degree-seeking student.
Coursework for the program includes:
| Core Courses | ||
| MUSI 5301 | FORM AND STYLE ANALYSIS | 3 |
| MUSI 5308 | MUSIC HISTORY SELECTED TOPICS | 3 |
| MUSI 5354 | SELECTED TOPICS IN MUSIC LITERATURE | 3 |
| MUSI 5362 | Introduction to Research in Music | 3 |
| 4 semesters of Applied Study (MUSI 53XX) with the last semester including a full length recital | ||
| 4 semesters of a Major Ensemble (MUSI 51XX) | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select 6 credit hours from the following depending on your major: | 6 | |
Instrumental | ||
Prescribed Electives (choose 6 credit hours) | ||
| DIGITAL MUSIC TECHNOLOGY | ||
| CHAMBER MUSIC (maximum of 3 repeats) | ||
| MUSIC HISTORY SELECTED TOPICS (may be counted once as an elective if core requirement is met and the course is taken with a different emphasis) | ||
| SELECTED TOPICS IN MUSIC PEDAGOGY | ||
| PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF MUSIC EDUCATION | ||
| PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF MUSIC EDUCATION | ||
| POST-TONAL ANALYSIS | ||
| SCHENKERIAN ANALYSIS | ||
| ADVANCED SONATA THEORY (recommended only after taking 5301-Form and Style Analysis) | ||
| 20TH CENTURY FORM & TECHNIQUE | ||
Voice | ||
Prescribed Electives (choose 6 credit hours) | ||
| ADVANCED DICTION FOR SINGERS | ||
| MUSIC THEATRE/OPERA LAB | ||
| DIGITAL MUSIC TECHNOLOGY | ||
| MUSIC HISTORY SELECTED TOPICS (may be counted once as an elective if core requirement is met and the course is taken with a different emphasis) | ||
| SELECTED TOPICS IN MUSIC PEDAGOGY | ||
| PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF MUSIC EDUCATION | ||
| PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF MUSIC EDUCATION | ||
| POST-TONAL ANALYSIS | ||
| SCHENKERIAN ANALYSIS | ||
| ADVANCED SONATA THEORY (recommended only after taking 5301-Form and Style Analysis) | ||
| 20TH CENTURY FORM & TECHNIQUE | ||
Jazz | ||
Prescribed Electives (choose 6 credit hours) | ||
| JAZZ COMBO | ||
| JAZZ STYLE AND ANALYSIS | ||
| REHEARSAL TECHNIQUES | ||
| ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FOR MUSICIANS | ||
| DIGITAL MUSIC TECHNOLOGY | ||
| MUSIC HISTORY SELECTED TOPICS (may be counted once as an elective if core requirement is met and the course is taken with a different emphasis) | ||
| SELECTED TOPICS IN MUSIC PEDAGOGY | ||
| PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF MUSIC EDUCATION | ||
| PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF MUSIC EDUCATION | ||
| POST-TONAL ANALYSIS | ||
| SCHENKERIAN ANALYSIS | ||
| ADVANCED SONATA THEORY (recommended only after taking 5301-Form and Style Analysis) | ||
| 20TH CENTURY FORM & TECHNIQUE | ||
Conducting | ||
Prescribed Electives (choose 6 credit hours) | ||
| DIGITAL MUSIC TECHNOLOGY | ||
| REHEARSAL TECHNIQUES | ||
| ADVANCED DICTION FOR SINGERS | ||
| CHAMBER MUSIC (maximum of 3 repeats) | ||
| MUSIC HISTORY SELECTED TOPICS (may be counted once as an elective if core requirement is met and the course is taken with a different emphasis) | ||
| SELECTED TOPICS IN MUSIC PEDAGOGY | ||
| PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF MUSIC EDUCATION | ||
| PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF MUSIC EDUCATION | ||
| POST-TONAL ANALYSIS | ||
| SCHENKERIAN ANALYSIS | ||
| ADVANCED SONATA THEORY (recommended only after taking 5301-Form and Style Analysis) | ||
| 20TH CENTURY FORM & TECHNIQUE | ||
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Final Master’s Examination
A final program examination is required of all Music Education degree candidates. A final Master’s examination may result in:
- An unconditional pass with a recommendation to the Graduate Dean that the candidate be certified to receive the degree.
- A conditional pass with the requirement that additional conditions be met, which may include further work on the thesis or thesis substitute, additional coursework with a minimum specified grade point average or both (in all cases the final master’s examination must be repeated within a specified period).
- Failure, with permission to be re-examined within a specified period; or
- Failure, with recommendation to the Dean of Graduate Studies that the candidate be dismissed from the program. The Music Department limits to 2 the number of times the examination can be taken.
Admission Requirements
Certificate Admission Requirements
Students wishing to enroll only in the certificate program but not a graduate degree program may apply for admission to U.T. Arlington as a special student (non-degree seeking). Admission requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and would be contingent upon an audition for a minimum of two faculty members; GRE scores and letters of recommendation are not required. Students in this certificate program who later seek graduate degrees at U.T. Arlington may apply 12 hours of certificate coursework within six years of completion and award of the certificate, if they meet the admission requirements for the graduate degree and receive approval from the appropriate Graduate Studies Committee and the Dean of Graduate Studies. Admission as a special student in no way guarantees subsequent unconditional admission into a graduate program or into the Graduate School.
TOEFL Requirement
Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English by earning a score of at least 550 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a score of at least 213 on the computer-based test, or a minimum score of 40 on the Test of Spoken English (TSE). The Internet-based TOEFL examination (TOEFL iBT) will be accepted as an alternative to the paper and computer-based TOEFL for admission purposes. Students taking TOEFL iBT must attain a minimum total test score of 79 and meet or exceed the following scores on each of the sections of the test:
- Writing: 22
- Speaking: 21
- Reading: 20
- Listening: 16
Certificate in Performance
The Certificate in Performance requires 15 hours of coursework and is currently available only in Keyboard Studies:
| Applied Study: | 9 | |
| MUSI 5321 | PRIVATE LESSONS IN PIANO | 3 |
| OR | ||
| MUSI 5322 | PRIVATE LESSONS IN ORGAN | 3 |
| OR | ||
| MUSI 5323 | PRIVATE LESSONS IN HARPSICHORD | 3 |
| Recital: | 3 | |
| MUSI 5391 | CONFERENCE COURSE IN MUSIC | 3 |
| Keyboard Accompaniment: | 3 | |
| MUSI 5190 | KEYBOARD ACCOMPANIMENT | 1 |
| Total Hours | 28 | |